Having shed her once splendid robes, Ruyan now donned a simple blue cotton shirt. Early that morning, she followed Sister Jiang to yet another crime scene. The victim was the owner’s wife of a local steamed bun shop. Word had it that a thief had broken in, and upon being discovered by the woman, had beheaded her on the spot. Now, the corpse lay in a grotesque state of dismemberment.
Because the deceased was a woman, Sister Jiang had been specifically called in. Initially, Jiang Xian was only responsible for examining women who were pregnant, but over time, she took on nearly all female autopsies.
Jiang Xian first conducted a rough examination, instructing Ruyan to take notes, then had the constables carry the body away.
On their way back, Jiang Xian spoke of official matters before teasing Ruyan, “At last, no one has been tailing us today.”
Ruyan had heard from Aunt Fang the day before that, although the case was complicated, Madam Wei was willing to risk offending Lady Shangguan to help resolve it. Since they hadn’t seen the county magistrate’s clerk around, it seemed the matter had been settled.
At first, Ruyan had been terrified of the dead, but after half a year of daily exposure with Jiang Xian by her side, she had come to see the role of a coroner as one of great responsibility—giving a voice to the victims.
Naturally, working alongside Jiang Xian, she had picked up some medical knowledge. Intelligent and quick to grasp new concepts, Ruyan was respectful toward Jiang Xian and was steadily improving in her role. She had no intention of breaking the uneasy status quo.
The clerk had shown some interest in her, and he was a decent man, but what did it matter?
A bird that has flown from its cage would never willingly return. Why become a concubine or a servant, living at the mercy of others? This life was far better.
Spring had arrived. Steward Fan came by with his son to deliver the first season’s rent: seventy-five taels of silver, a basket of eggs, and two baskets each of shepherd’s purse, chives, watercress, and spring bamboo shoots, along with six baskets of white clams and two baskets of mandarin fish.
Jin Niang directed them to deliver the goods to the kitchen, then turned to the household’s external accounts. These external accounts referred to Jiang Xian’s salary. His pay was converted into silver, amounting to seven taels a month plus two dan of grain.
Jin Niang used that seven taels to pay the monthly wages of the servants and cover household expenses. Though she appeared generous with her hands and face, she was actually quite frugal.
At the end of last year, Gu Qingru’s tailor and embroidery shop had opened. Jin Niang had helped promote the business, ensuring its smooth start. Knowing that Gu Qingru would neither accept gifts of gold, silver, or silk nor take shares without good reason, she had invested in the shop under Jin Niang’s name.
Officials themselves were forbidden from engaging in commerce, but their families were allowed to.
After Steward Fan and his son left, the Gu family also sent a seasonal bonus—fifty taels in total.
Jin Niang then sent the seasonal vegetables and fish from the estate to Madam Wen and Madam Tian. As for Madam Bao, who had already fallen out with her, she naturally did not send anything.
It was unclear how Jiang Xian had persuaded the county magistrate’s son, but Jin Niang had expected Madam Wen to be angry. To her surprise, Madam Wen instead took her hand and said, “That good-for-nothing of mine owes a great deal to the county captain for his guidance.”
Jin Niang smiled and said, “I was just afraid you’d blame me. That Ruyan was someone I rescued from the water. Seeing how truly pitiful she was, I wanted to find her a place to stay first. But who is she? The son of Lord Ming, Young Master Yan, comes from a scholarly and official family. We can’t let a mere girl tarnish his reputation.”
Though her words seemed to belittle Ruyan openly, in truth, Jin Niang was trying to defend her. Otherwise, with the county magistrate and his wife targeting Ruyan, it would be very difficult for her to remain here.
Madam Wen vehemently denied that her son was fond of a girl of low status: “That’s not true. He just loves reading books about criminal cases and lawsuits, and enjoys solving mysteries. But always getting caught up in these trivial matters is no proper pursuit. We were just planning to send him to Bailudong Academy.”
This was likely Jiang Xian’s idea. Jin Niang thought to herself that it was a good plan — Jiang Xian’s term would be up next year, and the two of them would no longer cross paths.
With that, Jin Niang smiled and said, “Bailudong Academy is one of the Four Great Academies. If Young Master Yan can study well there and succeed, Madam, you will enjoy endless honor and privileges.”
Madam Wen naturally shared this hope. Her husband had worked hard to be transferred to Wuxian, but his career remained mediocre. In the future, it would be up to their son to bring glory to the family.
In truth, Madam Wen no longer dared to be as bold as she had been at first, partly because she realized that Jiang Xian and Jin Niang both had powerful backgrounds. She wouldn’t act rashly.
After delivering Ruyan to Madam Wen’s place, Jin Niang passed by Madam Bao’s house but only left the gift with Madam Tian. Madam Tian, as usual, said, “Why did you come personally? You could have just sent someone.”
“I had nothing to do today, so it was convenient to bring it myself. It’s nothing worth mentioning,” Jin Niang replied with a smile.
Madam Tian had tea brought out, and the two chatted for quite some time before Jin Niang left her home. Madam Bao had received no gifts from Jin Niang, naturally feeling resentful. But no matter how much she resented it, it was useless.
County Captain Mei didn’t know where Madam Bao had spread her gossip, but it caused the entire county office to harbor grievances against her and her husband, so they had been coldly neglected for some time. At first, Madam Bao had a fiery temper, but after being snubbed for so long — even the return gifts during the beginning of spring were arranged by County Captain Mei’s concubine — she was completely sidelined and was now scheming how to regain favor.
As for Madam Bao’s eldest sister-in-law, who had helped her handle affairs, she was now forbidden even to come near the house. This year, after falling ill, Madam Bao did not offer any support, and the sister-in-law passed away suddenly.
In such circumstances, Madam Bao could only spare ten strings of cash to buy a coffin.
Now, seeing Jin Niang ignore her, she could only seethe in silence.
Jin Niang made a round trip back and saw Sister Jun approaching. Last month, Sister Jun had just turned six years old — an age when, in the previous life, she would have been ready for middle kindergarten. Jin Niang had already taught her many common characters and was also instructing her in needlework.
Look, the little girl could even sew a sachet now.
“Later, we’ll go visit your Aunt Gu’s place, alright?” Jin Niang smiled.
Sister Jun nodded, “Okay.”
Because Gu Qingru was a lone woman, the venerable Gu matriarch felt uneasy and wanted her young cousin to live with them. But Gu Qingru refused, choosing instead to reside nearby in Magpie Alley. This way, she maintained her privacy while also putting the matriarch’s mind at ease.
Many women, after divorce, were often remarried or even sold off again by their families. But Gu Qingru was exceptionally wealthy, and with her close ties to her own clan, she lived quite comfortably.
When the mother and daughter arrived, Gu Qingru was just stepping out to meet them, greeting them warmly, “I was afraid you wouldn’t come.”
“Sister Gu, what are you saying? I’d love to come by often, but my two little devils at home always keep me tied down,” Jin Niang laughed.
Gu Qingru led them inside. The room was elegantly arranged, though on the table sat seven or eight rosewood boxes—some open, some closed—which was unlike Gu Qingru’s usual style.
Noticing Jin Niang’s gaze, Gu Qingru explained, “These were sent by the Xiang family.”
“What do the Xiangs mean by this?” Jin Niang asked.
Gu Qingru shook her head. “They were sent by Seventh Brother Xiang’s father.”
Jin Niang knew that Mrs. Xiang had eight sons in total. Gu Qingru’s husband was the seventh, and the most talented scholar among them. Yet their marriage was too harmonious—so much so that Seventh Brother Xiang had failed the imperial exams. Mrs. Xiang decided to pin the blame on Gu Qingru. Now, with Gu Qingru’s parents deceased and her relationships with siblings strained, she learned that Seventh Brother Xiang secretly met with a woman arranged by his mother. Furious, Gu Qingru demanded a divorce.
Mrs. Xiang threatened that if Seventh Brother Xiang did not divorce, she would accuse him of filial impiety and rebellion. The tension between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law became irreconcilable. Reluctantly, Seventh Brother Xiang agreed to divorce, though he was heartbroken and even sent gifts as a parting gesture.
“What is your plan, Sister Gu?” Jin Niang asked, wondering if Gu Qingru intended to return to the Xiang family.
Gu Qingru sneered coldly, “He’s about to marry again. Sending these gifts is nothing but a clumsy attempt to cling to old feelings.”
Jin Niang thought to herself how these men always wanted to keep their cake and eat it too, pretending their hearts were faithful.
Still, she worried about Young Master Zhong. “Sister, what about Young Master Zhong—”
“That’s nothing,” Gu Qingru replied. “Young Master Zhong is dearly loved by my mother-in-law. Mrs. Xiang may despise me, but she treats her son well. That’s why I can rest assured.”
Jin Niang comforted her, “Sister Gu, since it’s settled now, there’s no need to dwell on the past. Focus on running your business. Rest assured, as long as I’m here, if anything troublesome comes up, I’ll help you sort it out.”
Because Gu Qingru claimed to have a background as a palace attendant, Madam Wen, Madam Bao, and others were unsure of her true standing and instead felt a certain respect and fear toward her, which diminished the influence brought by Rong Niang. Moreover, Gu Qingru’s previous recommendation had helped Jin Niang, a woman without connections, become a head embroiderer. Jin Niang felt deeply grateful and naturally cared about Gu Qingru’s affairs, always ready to help whenever she could.
Gu Qingru recalled that her father had once said, "One should not expect repayment for kindness, but if even one or two among those helped return the favor, the benefits are immeasurable." Now, it truly seemed so.
"Jin Niang, I don’t even know what to say," Gu Qingru said, feeling a warmth deep in her heart.
Jin Niang quickly smiled, "It’s only right. If Sister Gu hadn’t recommended me back then, I doubt I could have become a head seamstress. I wouldn’t have learned my craft otherwise."
The two chatted a little more. Jin Niang joined her for the meal, and after they finished, she even presented Sister Jun with a string of tourmaline as a token of gratitude.
Sister Jun glanced at Jin Niang first, and when Jin Niang nodded, she respectfully accepted, saying, "Thank you very much, Auntie Gu."
"This child is truly sensible," Gu Qingru thought, her heart melting with pride.
Jin Niang was proud of her daughter as well.
Another year passed, and the Cold Food Festival brought a surge of business to Gu Qingru. After all, with spring arriving, many people were out for their seasonal outings, and quite a few sought new clothes. Jin Niang also helped spread the word.
Jin Niang had prepared festival gifts for the Cold Food Festival, and even Ruyan received one. She had come specially to express her thanks.
Jin Niang smiled, "No need to thank me; it’s nothing valuable."
"Still, it’s touching that you’ve always kept me in your thoughts," Ruyan said. Now that the county magistrate’s son was no longer pestering her, she seemed much more spirited. She then spoke of the headless woman case: "It turns out her husband quarreled with her, and in a fit of rage, he poured boiling water on her. Later, fearing discovery, he severed her head and disposed of it elsewhere. Unfortunately, their children witnessed it all but, afraid their father would be arrested and with no means to support the family, they helped fabricate false testimony. Thankfully, Captain Jiang saw through the deception and brought him to justice."
Jin Niang shuddered, "To think there are such heartless, cruel people."
Ruyan, having dealt with many in her line of work, was familiar with humanity’s darker sides and agreed, "Yes, ordinary people wouldn’t know the truth. Even their own children helped cover for their father. Truly, people’s hearts grow cold."
But Jin Niang comforted her, "Such people are the minority. Don’t lose heart. The world has yin and yang, good and evil — in the end, good still prevails."
"Yes, you’re right," Ruyan acknowledged, understanding Jin Niang’s words were meant to console her.
Hadn’t she herself met good people? Like Madam Wei, who had saved her, nurtured her, cared for her daily, helped her solve troubles, and treated her with respect, allowing her to stand on her own.
Jin Niang smiled again, "Next month is the Dragon Boat Festival. I hear there will be a race this year. If you’re free, why don’t we go watch? It should be lively."
"Alright," Ruyan replied, hoping for a life of her own.
The two chatted a while longer before parting ways. Jin Niang then began sewing again, this time making clothes for Brother Ning. When he was little, he had always worn his sister’s clothes, and now that he was over two years old, Jin Niang had never properly made anything for him.
It was now April, not yet too hot, so the child's clothes naturally couldn't be too thin. Thus, Jin Niang made her son a light blue, cross-collared shirt, paired with a teal waistband and white trousers beneath.
As for embroidery, most of it was done on the cuffs. Children’s skin was sensitive, and embroidery around the collar would feel uncomfortable to them.
But what kind of pattern should be embroidered for the child?
When Jiang Xian returned, Jin Niang asked for his opinion: "What do you think I should embroider for Brother Ning?"
Jiang Xian felt a twinge of jealousy. "My dear wife, you don’t even ask me what pattern to choose anymore?"
Jin Niang covered her mouth, laughing. "I’m not afraid others will laugh at me for being jealous of my own son."
"My dear, don’t tire yourself out. Isn’t there someone in the sewing room? Let them do it," Jiang Xian said seriously.
Juxiang worked in the kitchen, Minzhi in the sewing room, and now both earned the same wages. But making clothes for her own child was a matter of heart for Jin Niang, and she shook her head, already having decided on the embroidery design.
She would embroider swallows carrying peach blossoms in their beaks. Spring was the season when peach blossoms flourished, and such a design would bring a lively, vibrant feeling.
After dinner, Jin Niang went for a stroll in the back garden, then immediately began sketching the pattern and gathering silk threads to start embroidering. Jiang Xian had the day off and lay on the couch watching her sew. Jin Niang didn’t completely ignore him and asked, "I heard that Magistrate Yan is being transferred elsewhere. Is that true?"
"You’re quite well-informed. Yes, it’s true. Magistrate Yan’s family has already purchased a residence in Wuxian. I heard he’s preparing to take up a post elsewhere, leaving his family behind," Jiang Xian replied.
Jin Niang smiled. "Our family has also bought a countryside estate in Wuxian. If someday we retire, we won’t have to worry about where to live."
Jiang Xian covered his face. "My dear, I dare not think about growing old. If only people could stay young forever."
Only while young could one do as one pleased. When old, even if the children were filial, one could easily be taken advantage of. He thought of his mother—when she was young, she was capable and resolute, but after she passed, nothing remained.
Others might say life and death are natural, but Jin Niang herself didn’t want to grow old. After turning twenty-five, she realized her body was no longer comparable to when she was a teenager.
"Xian Lang," she said, "though I fear growing old too, as long as we’re together, I don’t feel scared anymore. Truly, sometimes I feel like I’m dreaming—finding such a good husband like you makes every day feel like a dream."
Having cheered up her husband and eased his worries, Jin Niang began embroidering.
Three days later, the clothes were finished. Jin Niang had them soaked and washed, then ironed flat before letting Brother Ning try them on. To her delight, he refused to take them off afterward, making Jin Niang laugh heartily.
Still, Ma Yangniang said, "I bet if we hide them in the cupboard, Brother Ning would find them and want to wear them again."
Speaking of Ma Yangniang, now that Brother Ning has weaned, her monthly allowance has increased to two qian, the same as the older maids like Ying. Jin Niang had asked her if she wanted to return to Bianjing and offered to arrange passage on the Gu family’s boat. But Ma Yangniang chose to stay and serve the Jiang household, so Jin Niang decided to keep her.
Ma Yangniang confided in Jin Niang, “If I go back, the money will surely be taken by my mother-in-law or the men. Then they’ll force me to have children. Once I have a child and produce milk, I’ll be sent to another household again. I don’t want to go through that turmoil anymore.”
Hearing this, Jin Niang felt deeply sympathetic.
Ma Yangniang stayed on, and along with Peilan, she served Brother Ning with great care, which pleased Jin Niang very much. As for Sister Jun, by the Dragon Boat Festival, she had already learned to make braided cords with five-colored silk threads and could sew a sachet embroidered with simple floral patterns, all under Jin Niang’s instructions.
During the Dragon Boat Festival, Jin Niang, because of her connection to a Guanyin statue, had a bit of a devotional relationship with Madam Shen. She took her daughter there to visit and had her bring sewing supplies as a gift. This was a way to socialize through the child, much like modern children attending kindergarten—not necessarily to learn academic knowledge, but to cultivate independence.
How to speak with others, how to make friends—these were lessons the child had to figure out on her own.
Jin Niang hadn’t had such opportunities growing up. Her father was just a soldier in the Imperial Guards and later worked as a laborer. He was a solitary man, not good at socializing. She hoped her daughter could be more confident and live more freely than she did.
Madam Shen’s youngest granddaughter was already ten years old but was not a traditional little lady. She covered her lips with a fan and, upon seeing Sister Jun’s sewing, clicked her tongue in admiration. “Grandmother, I still can’t sew as well as she does.”
“Please don’t mind, County Captain’s wife,” Madam Shen replied. “This granddaughter of mine is the youngest. Her father has always held her on his lap while reading to her, so she’s a bit sharp and eccentric.”
Madam Shen was at a loss. Though her son was honest and upright, he let his children develop their own personalities. They all studied, but their ideas were often unconventional.
Jin Niang naturally noticed the difference and quickly complimented, “I think your Fifth Lady is quite eloquent for someone so young.”
Fifth Lady Shen then asked Sister Jun, “Have you ever studied before, Sister Jiang?”
“My mother taught me, and I’ve just finished reading the ‘Classic of Filial Piety’ and the ‘Analects,’” Sister Jun replied with a smile.
Jin Niang said to Madam Shen, “We plan to hire a teacher to instruct her after she turns six. It’s not to make her a female scholar, but so she understands some principles.”
Madam Shen agreed warmly, “It’s always beneficial for girls from official families to study more.”
“You’re absolutely right,” Jin Niang smiled.
She then had Sister Jun and Fifth Lady Shen play together. Fifth Lady Shen asked what Sister Jun usually did for fun. Sister Jun laughed, “At home, I follow my mother in reading and sewing, or I go out to swing and tend flowers and plants with her.”
“Do you play chess?” Fifth Lady Shen winced at the mention of sewing—she truly was not skilled at it.
Sister Jun nodded, “My father taught me.”
She could even play backgammon and touhu, though she had just started learning and wasn’t confident enough to mention it.
Sister Jun went to Fifth Lady Shen’s chamber to play. Jin Niang sent two of her maids along, while she herself stayed behind to chat with Madam Shen.
It was Sister Jun’s first time away from her mother, and she felt a little scared. Fifth Lady Shen was a young lady, naturally unwilling to play with a little girl. After idly playing with some chess pieces for a short while, she had someone bring some snacks for Sister Jun and then settled down to read a book.
Sister Jun didn’t quite understand why Fifth Lady Shen spoke kindly to her in front of her mother, but ignored her when no one was watching. She didn’t know how to express this confusion, but Xi Qiu and Jiao Xing eventually told Jin Niang about it.
“In that case, next time we visit the Shen household, there’s no need to have Sister Jun play with her,” Jin Niang said, not blaming Fifth Lady Shen—after all, she was still a big girl.
Sister Jun nestled into Jin Niang’s arms. “Mother, I only want to play with you.”
“All right, Mother will always be here to keep you company.” This was Sister Jun’s first lesson in society—not everyone will love you like your family does.
But as a mother, Jin Niang had to make sure her daughter knew she had a strong backing. That way, if anything happened, Sister Jun would tell her parents immediately.
Once home, the stiffness in Sister Jun’s demeanor melted away, and she bounced around happily.
After dinner, everyone was tired, and the children went to bed. Jin Niang, dressed in her nightgown, sat with Jiang Xian playing dice. The loser had to stick paper notes on their face.
For some reason, Jin Niang’s luck was terrible today—she had seven or eight notes stuck all over her face. She peeled them off and said to Jiang Xian, “Then today, I’ll be the one to make you laugh.”
Jiang Xian kept a straight face. “I’m quite good at holding it in.”
Jin Niang pointed at him. “Good, then today I’m really going to make you laugh.”
She stepped up to him, flicked his nose with one finger, and made two playful “hm hm” sounds before saying, “I’m a little piggy, please don’t eat my meat, Officer.”
Jiang Xian nearly broke character but still held back.
Seeing that didn’t work, Jin Niang resorted to an old trick—tickling him. Sure enough, he broke in a second. Jiang Xian complained, “You always use that trick.”
“It’s not about being new, it’s about being effective,” Jin Niang giggled and climbed onto the bed.
Life outside was often dark and dreary with countless complicated cases. No matter what he did, Jiang Xian found it hard to get motivated. Luckily, his wife was always there to brighten his day. He held her down gently and said, “Tomorrow, I’ll wash your hair for you.”
“Mm, I’ll be waiting,” Jin Niang smiled.
But the next day, Jiang Xian returned very late. His patron, Liu Jixiang, having failed to persuade the new emperor, resigned from his post as the Three Offices Commissioner and was reassigned with the rank of Minister of Rites and Scholar of Duanming Hall to govern Quanzhou.
“Looks like returning to the capital is out of the question for me now,” Jiang Xian sighed.
He understood better than anyone else that no matter how outstanding your achievements were, without a powerful backer to speak for you, it was very difficult to advance. This was why the court favored marrying in through kinship ties—because that was the key to influence.
But he did not regret it. Worried that Jin Niang might be anxious, he said, “Prefect Shen appreciates me. My evaluation will surely be good. My dear, please don’t worry.”
Jin Niang replied, “I won’t go on about those lofty sayings like ‘Heaven bestows great responsibilities on certain people.’ I just think it’s better to delay returning for a few years. I haven’t saved enough money yet, and we still can’t afford a big house.”
Jiang Xian was momentarily taken aback. Once again, his wife’s thoughts diverged from others’, but what she said was true. Although Sweetwater Lane was a nice place and he loved his study the most, now that there were more people, living there would be cramped. With that in mind, he calmly accepted her reasoning.
Seeing his calmness, Jin Niang thought to herself that her persuasion skills were quite effective—she had convinced Jiang Xian just like that.
